Brush applicator device

ABSTRACT

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a liquid-containing compressible bulb shaped to define a base on which it can be readily stably set with the outlet thereof preferably elevated above the base position, and joined in flow communication with the bulb outlet there being an adapter valve member adjustable to open and close the bulb outlet and extending outwardly with a scrub or applicator material mounted on the exterior of the valve member which embodies therein a through passage to an outlet port substantially adjacent to the brush material but directed in a direction not to be obstructed by the brush material which is in non-linear alignment with the outlet port, and there being preferably a tumbler cap breathably and drainably mounted on the bulb in a manner enclosable substantially of the adapter and brush scrub or applicator material which may be brush bristles, cloth, steel wool, sponge(s), or the like, typically for use in applying detergent as needed to the dishpan and/or to a fabric being scrubbed and/or into the glass being washed and scrubbed with the brush or steel wool, or to the surface such as a cabinet surface or floor being waxed or cleaned, or the like.

United States Patent 11 1 Zimmerman July 29, 1975 1 BRUSH APPLICATOR DEVICE [76] Inventor: Eli Zimmerman, 159 W. 76th St.,

Apt. 5A, New York, NY. 10023 [22] Filed: Apr. 30, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 355,962

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Scr. No. 131,275. April 5,

1971, Pat. No. 3,734,106.

Zavada 401/186 Turner 401/186 Primary ExaminerLouis G. Mancene [57] ABSTRACT In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a liquid containing compressible bulb shaped to define a base on which it can be readily stably set with the outlet thereof preferably elevated above the base position, and joined in flow Communication with the bulb outlet there being an adapter valve member adjustable to open and close the bulb outlet and extending outwardly with a scrub or applicator material mounted on the exterior of the valve member which embodies therein a through passage to an outlet port substantially adjacent to the brush material but directed in a direction not to be obstructed by the brush material which is in non-linear alignment with the outlet port, and there being preferably a tumbler cap breathably and drainably mounted on the bulb in a manner enclosable substantially of the adapter and brush scrub or applicator material which may be brush bristles, cloth, steel wool, sponge(s), or the like, typically for use in applying detergent as needed to the dishpan and/or to a fabric being scrubbed and/or into the glass being washed and scrubbed with the brush or steel wool, or to the surface such as a cabinet surface or floor being waxed or cleaned, or the like.

10 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTED JUL29 197s SHEET --i.-------iii---n m 7 FIG.3

1 1 BRUSH APPLICATOR DEVICE This application is a continuation in part application of my copending parent application U.S. Ser. No. 131,275 filed Apr. 5, l97l and entitled A TOOTH- BRUSH MOUTHWASH RINSER KIT issued into US. Pat. No. 3,734,106 on May 22, 1973, of which this application claims the benefit of the earlier filed date for the generic invention and common subject matter.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION The patentability of the structure of the present invention has been established in the prior issued patent to the present inventor. However, in the prior patent emphasis was placed on the benefits of the invention in the toothbrush embodiment. Because in other fields of endeavor in which scouring pads, bristled brushes, sponges and the like are normally used in washing, waxing, scouring, brushing, polishing, and the like, it is apparent that the present invention is of equal value in embodiments making the invention utilizable for these additional utilities. Also, consistent with the present invention as heretofore patented, it is advantageous that while the overall principle of the invention not be changed that the outlet port or the liquid to be sprayed from the outlet port be directed in one or the other of varying directions depending upon the nature or utility to which the particular brush or rubber or sponge or scouring pad is to be put.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to obtain benefits and advantages directed to the additional fields of use in the overcoming of problems of the type discussed above.

An additional object is to obtain new or novel advantages as compared to both prior art and the previously issued patent directed to other embodiments of the same invention.

Other objects become apparent from the preceding and following disclosure.

One or more objects of the invention are obtained by the invention as described herein.

Broadly the invention may be defined as a squeezable bulb having an outlet valve port with the valve being detachable and when mounted being easily adjusted to open or close the outlet port of the bulb, while mounted as a part of the valve structure is an adapter extension having a channel therethrough for the foreing of the liquid upon the squeezing of the bulb, with an outlet port to the adapter extension being directed either distally axially or alternatively being structured to direct the spray or stream to be squeezed therefrom substantially laterally to the longitudinal axis of the extended portion of the adapter, with the brush or scrub member either being distal to the outlet port of the adapter member or alternatively the brush portion occurring nearer to the bulb and the outlet being more distal, or alternatively there being brush member elements both distal to and proximal to the bulb relative to an intermediately located outlet port of the adapter member with the port thereof directed laterally, an es sential element of the invention being that the brush elements, whatever the nature of the brush elements be, not be in an obstructing alignment with the outlet port of the adapter member. Typical of the brush elements within the scope of the invention is a waxing element(s), pad or cloth mounted on the adapter section, or alternatively brush bristles arranged in a desired fashion, provided as noted above that they do not obstruct the path of spray from the adapter outlet port, or a collection of sponges or a single sponge, as the case may be, or steel wool or copper wool or equivalent scouring pad(s), or the like. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, instead of the flattened portion of the bulb being such for the adapter member extended portion to be directed merely vertically upwardly, it is equally desirable for particular utilities that the flattened portion be on the side of the bulb in order that the adapter member may extend substantially horizontally or parallel to the surface on which it is supported. this adding to the simplicity of use of the item, and in a preferred embodiment thereof there being an additional handle member extending therefrom preferably coaxial and divergent to the adapter member extension. Also in preferred embodiments of the invention, the neck to the bulb and/or the extended portion of the adapter member may include one or more bends adding to the convenience to the user of the entire member in the scrubbing of glassware or other surfaces as the case may be. In an additional preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly for example where it is desired to protect the brush member from becoming soiled between consecutive uses thereof over a period of time, there is included a tumbler or cap member which fits invertably over the adapter member and brush elements thereof and preferably snaps onto the bulb, preferably with there being raised or irregular surfaces in one or the other of the edge of the tumbler or cap, or on the surface of the bulb where it meets the tumbler or cap member such that there is provided at the snap-on portion space defined by which breathing and draining may take place to prevent the breeding of bacteria and of undesirable odor-development and unsanitary conditions. Such a tumbler-cap member is also of advantage where for example for a shoe-shine kit or the like the brush would have polish on it which could soil other surfaces, the tumbler-cap serving to prevent such possibilities whenever the entire device is not in use for its intended utility.

THE FIGURES FIG. 1 illustrates a side view shown in-part in crosssection a typical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of the adapter member and valve thereof. for better understanding of the exact nature thereof.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative and preferred embodiment of the present invention in elevation side view.

FIG. 4 illustrates an in-part view in side view an alternate embodiment to that of FIG. 1, in which the adapter member and brush bristles are directed in different directions from that of the FIG. 1 embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates still another embodiment, basically similar to that of FIG. 1, except as viewed in an in-part side view thereof having a bent neck directing the extended adapter portion laterally but additionally having a bent adapter port outlet for redirecting the liquid to be sprayed or stream to be excreted therefrom in a transverse direction to the adapter extensions longitudinal axis, which in this particular embodiment would be in a final direction about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bulb itself uprightly.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment basically Similar to that of FIG. 1, except in substitution for the brush bri'stles, there is typically a copper or steel or other metal scouring pad, i.e., v mounted about the extended portion of theadapter a steel wool-like scrub member;

member, this embodiment also an elevation side view I shown in an in-part view.

lines 77 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment in elevation side view basically similar to those of FIGS. 1 flnd except I substituting sponge-like strips for the brush bristles-or .1

- Y utilization of sponges 25e in substitution for the brush bristles of FIG. 1 and the scouring pad of FIG. 6.

7 FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment basically similar to that of the prior patent, except additionally the ex- :tended portion of the adapter having the longitudinally for the scouring steel wool.

FIG. 9 illustrates still another variation, ilar to that of the prior patent, but additionally haying a bend in the elongated portion of the adaptenmerriber,

adding to the ease and convenience of thegbru'shmem her, as dependent upon the preference of the'particular user thereof, either for purposes of brushing teeth or."

silver or any other purpose, such as utilities discussed above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In greater detail. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical brush embodiment of the present invention identified as 10, including a bulb II and a neck 12 thereof having threads 13 onto which is screwable a valve adapter 14 having female threads 15 matable with male threads 13, and additionally the adapter value structure having male threads 16 with which the adapter member 18 is matable of its female threads 19, and with a plug device 17 of the valve portion 14 serving to in the nature of a valve block or open the passage 22 of the elongated portion 20 of the adapter member 18. The extended portion 20 has the conduit 22 with its outlet port 23 and with a free space 24 void of bristles or other obstructions which might interfere with or block the spray or stream being squeezed from the outlet port 23. The brush bristles 25 are mounted around the distal end of the adapter member extension 20. Cap or tumbler 26 is invertedly removably mounted on the bulb II by virtue of preferably snap-on or wedge projections or bumps 27, with there being defined a breathing and/or drain space between the spacedapart bumps 27 as the space is defined between the bulb surface and an edge of the tumbler or cap 26.

' FIG. 2 illustrates also in cross-section the valve device and adapter member mechanism, with the valve device structure 14 having its projection 17 which is the valve element there of, with the adapter extension 20 being screwable longitudinally axially of the member 14 in order to open and close the valve element 17 from the conduit 22 defined by the converging walls 28 which space defined between the inner walls 28 is fed through the through passages 21 of the structure 14.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the bulb 11h rests on its flat side surface 29b, and additionally has a handle element in addition to its bulb Ilb which also serves as a handle if desired, extending as handle lIbb axially to and divergent from the oppositely extending adapter member extension 18b.

FIG. 5 illustrates a variation on the embodiment of FIG. 1, in which the neck 120 includes a bend in order to direct the adapter member laterally, and additionally illustrating an embodiment in which the outlet end portion of the adapter, labeled as 22c, directs the outlet port of the adapter in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the adapter member 18c .whereby the outlet port 220 in this particular embodiment continues to be directed in a direction substanytially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bulb llc.

FIG. 6 illustrates still another variation on the embodiment of FIG. 1, in which in the place of the bristles .of a brush of FIG. I, there is substituted a scouring pad 25d of typically steel wool, with the outlet port structure 32 being unobstructed within the space of a concave nature such that the outlet port 22d remains unobstructed.

FIG. 8 differs from that of FIG. I and FIG. 6 in the directed proximal portion 18f and a bend at l8'f and whereby the brush bristles 25f are also angled slightly more upwardly, typically in this embodiment at about 45, adding to the ease of use for various purposes.

FIG. 7, as noted above, is an elevation view taken along lines 77 of FIG. 6, the parts thereof having been previously identified.

For items of alternative embodiment numbered but not discussed where there are corresponding numbers in other embodiments, the corresponding numbers (but different letters) identify the corresponding parts for all embodiments.

It is to be understood that the illustrated embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative of some of the many possible embodiments and various utilities to which the broad concept may be put, and that accordingly it is within the scope of the invention to make variations and modifications and substitutions of equivalents as would be obvious to a person of ordinary skill in this particular art.

I claim:

1. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening, an adapter member connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter through which liquid can be forced with the hole being structured such that the hole extends in a direction facing substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the extended portion of the adapter member such that liquid spray is directable laterally to the elongated adapter member, and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-non-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, said outwardly extending adapter member being of a resilient semi-rigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.

2. A brush device comprising in combination: a

squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening, an

member through which liquid can be forced. and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-non-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole. the brush means comprising substantially bristles, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable as at-least in part a handle with a bulb means being of a resilient semi-rigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.

3. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening,' an adapter member connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter member through which liquid can be forced, and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-non-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, the brush means comprising substantially open-celled water-retainable composition, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable as at-least in part a handle with a bulb means when the assembly is being used for brushing an item. said bulb means being of a resilient semirigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means in cludes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush means mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.

4. A brush device of claim 3, in which said composition is a sponge-like material.

5. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening. an adapter member connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter member through which liquid can be forced, and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-non-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, the brush means comprising substantially steel-wool-like material for scouring, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable as at-least in part a handle with a bulb means when the assembly is being used for brushing an item, said bulb means being of a resilient semirigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush means mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.

6. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening, an adapter member connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter member through which liquid can be forced. the elongated portion of the adapter member including a bend therein directingthe distal portion thereof substantially laterally to a predetermined degree, and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flownon-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable at-least in part a handle with a bulb means when the assembly is being used for brushing an item, said bulb means being of a resilient semi-rigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush means mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.

7. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening and a neck portion a distal end of which is mateable with an adapter member in flow communication therewith, the adapter member being connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter member through which liquid can be forced, the neck portion including a bend therein directing the distal neck portion thereof substantially laterally to a predetermined degree. and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flownon-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole. the brush means comprising substantially open-celled water-retainable composition, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable as at-least in part a handle with a bulb means when the assembly is being used for brushing an item, said bulb means being of a resilient semi-rigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush means mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.

8. A brush device of claim 7, in which the elongated portion of the adapter member includes a bend therein directing the distal protion thereof substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the adapter members extended portion.

9. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening and a flattened face extending in a plane substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of an adapter members extended portion such that the bulb is settable on its side with the adapter member and a brush means extending laterally about parallel with a supporting surface, the adapter member being connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter member through which liquid can be forced, and the brush means being carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-non-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, the brush means comprising substantially open-celled water-retainable composition, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable as at-least in part a handle with a bulb means when the assembly is being used for brush- 8 means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.

10. A brush device of claim 9, including an elongated handle element extending from the bulb means in a direction substantially divergent from said adapter member. 

1. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening, an adapter member connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter through which liquid can be forced with the hole being structured such that the hole extends in a direction facing substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the extended portion of the adapter member such that liquid spray is directable laterally to the elongated adapter member, and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-nonalignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, said outwardly extending adapter member being of a resilient semi-rigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.
 2. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening, an adapter member connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter member through which liquid can be forced, and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-non-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, the brush means comprising substantially bristles, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable as at-least in part a handle with a bulb means being of a resilient semi-rigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.
 3. A brush device comprising In combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening, an adapter member connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter member through which liquid can be forced, and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-non-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, the brush means comprising substantially open-celled water-retainable composition, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable as at-least in part a handle with a bulb means when the assembly is being used for brushing an item, said bulb means being of a resilient semirigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush means mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.
 4. A brush device of claim 3, in which said composition is a sponge-like material.
 5. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening, an adapter member connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter member through which liquid can be forced, and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-non-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, the brush means comprising substantially steel-wool-like material for scouring, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable as at-least in part a handle with a bulb means when the assembly is being used for brushing an item, said bulb means being of a resilient semirigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush means mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.
 6. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening, an adapter member connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter member through which liquid can be forced, the elongated portion of the adapter member including a bend therein directing the distal portion thereof substantially laterally to a predetermined degree, and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-non-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable as at-least in part a handle with a bulb means when the assembly is being used for brushing an item, said bulb means being of a resilient semi-rigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush means mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.
 7. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening and a neck portion a distal end of which is mateable with an adapter member in flow communication therewith, the adapter member being connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter member through which liquid can be forced, the neck portion including a bend therein directinG the distal neck portion thereof substantially laterally to a predetermined degree, and a brush means carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-non-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, the brush means comprising substantially open-celled water-retainable composition, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable as at-least in part a handle with a bulb means when the assembly is being used for brushing an item, said bulb means being of a resilient semi-rigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush means mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.
 8. A brush device of claim 7, in which the elongated portion of the adapter member includes a bend therein directing the distal protion thereof substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the adapter member''s extended portion.
 9. A brush device comprising in combination: a squeezable bulb means having an outlet opening and a flattened face extending in a plane substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of an adapter member''s extended portion such that the bulb is settable on its side with the adapter member and a brush means extending laterally about parallel with a supporting surface, the adapter member being connected to the squeeze bulb means and extending outwardly from the opening thereof and having a hole at a substantially distal end of the adapter member through which liquid can be forced, and the brush means being carried on the outwardly extending member in flow-non-alignment with the hole and spaced from the hole, the brush means comprising substantially open-celled water-retainable composition, said outwardly extending adapter member being utilizable as at-least in part a handle with a bulb means when the assembly is being used for brushing an item, said bulb means being of a resilient semi-rigid composition and having a portion thereof at a point distant from said adapter member shaped such that the bulb means includes a supporting base supportable of the adapter member and of the brush means mounted on the adapter member substantially above the supporting base when said bulb means is set on a substantially flat horizontal surface whereby the brush means is held in a position free of contact with the horizontal surface.
 10. A brush device of claim 9, including an elongated handle element extending from the bulb means in a direction substantially divergent from said adapter member. 